Research Analysis and Proposal Development Officer

Department: CoE-Office of the Dean
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
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General Purpose

The College of Engineering comprises four academic units: Mechanical Engineering; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Civil, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering; and Interdisciplinary Engineering. It is home to a growing complement of faculty, advanced research infrastructure, and diverse funding portfolios. The College is actively expanding its research intensity, external partnerships, and graduate programs.

The Research Analysis and Proposal Development Officer is responsible for advancing the College’s research performance through:

• Strategic research proposal development;
• Data-driven analysis and reporting;
• Faculty award and funding support;
• Research communications and profile building.

This role operates at the intersection of research strategy, technical writing, and analytics, supporting both individual researchers and large-scale institutional initiatives. The incumbent works closely with faculty, academic leaders, and central administrative units to strengthen funding outcomes and elevate the College’s research impact.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and strategic direction of a rapidly expanding College. The RAPDO will play a direct role in shaping research success, enabling faculty achievement, and positioning the College as a leader in engineering research and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Research Support, Proposal Development, and Awards (Primary Focus):
   • Provide high-level writing, editing, and strategic support for major funding applications (e.g., Tri-Agency, CFI, ORF, international programs);
   • Advise faculty on proposal structure, positioning, evaluation criteria, and alignment with funding priorities;
   • Coordinate and support large-scale and collaborative research proposals;
   • Lead or support faculty award and nomination processes, including preparation of nomination packages;
   • Develop tools, templates, and guidance materials to strengthen proposal quality and consistency;
   • Coordinate internal review processes and timelines to ensure competitive submissions;
   • Conduct environmental scans to identify emerging funding opportunities and areas for interdisciplinary growth;
2. Research Communications and Profile Development:
   • Lead development of research communications that showcase faculty excellence and impact;
   • Produce high-quality content including research highlights, annual reports, newsletters, and briefing materials;
   • Coordinate messaging across academic units to ensure consistency and alignment with institutional priorities;
   • Translate complex research into accessible content for diverse audiences, including government, industry, and the public;
   • Support strategic communications initiatives, rankings submissions, and external engagement efforts;
3. Research Analytics, Planning, and Reporting:
   • Develop and maintain research performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools;
   • Analyze funding trends, research strengths, and institutional performance;
   • Support strategic planning through data-driven insights and benchmarking against peer institutions;
   • Contribute to Faculty strategic plans, annual reports, and accountability frameworks;
   • Advance data collection and reporting related to research impact, innovation, and equity initiatives;
4. Scholarship and Capacity Building Support:
   • Provide guidance and resources to faculty and graduate students on funding opportunities and application processes;
   • Support delivery of workshops, seminars, and training related to grant writing and research development;
   • Assist in building partnerships and identifying opportunities for matched funding (e.g., industry, government programs);
   • Support graduate scholarship development and review processes.

Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in a STEM discipline (required);
• PhD considered an asset;
• Professional designation (e.g., P.Eng.) considered an asset.

Experience

Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in:

• Research proposal development and grant writing;
• Scientific or technical writing and editing;
• Research communications or academic administration;
• Demonstrated experience working within a research-intensive academic or public sector environment;
• Familiarity with Canadian research funding agencies (e.g., NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, CFI).

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional writing and editing ability across technical and non-technical audiences;
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative information;
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty and senior leadership;
• Ability to translate complex research into compelling narratives;
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.

Interested applicants are invited to submit:

• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the role;
• A current curriculum vitae.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10924516
Classification: P&M FT- Band 04
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 04/17/2026
Closing Date: 04/27/2026